He has become an icon, symbolising the essence of determination and athleticism and helping to change the world’s perceptions towards disability. But, above all, Oscar Pistorius is just a nice guy who likes to run, compete and win and prefers to focus on his abilities, rather than disability.
In the process, he’s etched his name in the history books, shattered stereotypes and inspired millions across the globe.
The South African, who became the first double amputee to participate in the Olympics when he competed in London, was a guest at the Doha GOALS Forum earlier this week.
A host of big names were at the event, including Olympic legends Mark Spitz and Carl Lewis, but Pistorius took centre stage on the closing night when he took up a challenge to promote disabled sportspeople and fight discrimination against disabled people in the region.
The 26-year-old took on, and beat Arab horse Maserati in the ‘run like the wind’ race over 200 metres. “It wasn’t about who won, it was about showing people that those with disabilities are capable of doing great things,” he said.
“In the different countries we run in, the perceptions around disability vary quite dramatically and disability is something that needs to come a long way in this region. I don’t think it’s necessarily an issue of a closed vision when it comes to disability. It’s just something that has never been spoken about. People are very enthusiastic to learn.
“In Doha, I’ve spoken about disability and we’ve been out to a couple of schools and the kids are very eager to learn. It’s not that there’s a preconceived idea, it’s just that there’s a lack of education surrounding disability. So I think the perceptions here can change very quickly.”
Pistorius may not have been the first disabled person to compete at the Olympics, but he certainly made the biggest waves, especially having made the semi-finals in the 400m.
He feels the Games played a major role in helping the world understand disability sport and regard the Paralympics as an intriguing competitive sporting event. Pistorius said: “In 2003 I had my knee injury, 2004 I started running and I went to the Paralympics in Athens. And I had never participated in any event for athletes with disabilities. I knew very little about the Paralympics or what it was about.
“In Athens I changed my perception, but the world’s perception saw Paralympics as a second grade version of able-bodied sport. I think what LOCOG really managed to achieve was that they never looked at the London Games as the London Olympic Games with the Paralympics as a sideline. “
They looked at the Olympics and Paralympic Games as two separate events. And if you took this year’s Paralympic Games as a completely separate sporting fixture, it was extremely successful.”
Six months later, and Pistorius can see how the hype has followed him back home. “I went to a school in Johannesburg where I heard a kid tell his parents he wants a pair of blades for Christmas, and he’s got his legs. “And his dad was like, ‘No you can’t have that’, and the kid insisted, ‘No I want them, I want them for Christmas’.
“That’s the perception that’s changing. Information has become more available and through that and a mixture of people having to see the Paralympics and disabilities through the eyes of the people in the UK, who have a very liberal approach to disability, it definitely couldn’t have been hosted at a better time in a better country.”
Pistorius was on his first visit to Doha, but is no stranger to the Gulf region, and sees lots of potential when it comes to hosting events like the Olympic Games. With his general outlook on focusing on positives, he sees the summer heat as an obstacle that can be overcome.
When asked whether he thought the Games can be hosted in Doha, Pistorius said: “I definitely think so. “If you look at this country’s involvement in sport, it has been very extensive in a very short period of time, and I think that’s the only reason that’s raised doubt.
“But if you look at the events that they have had, they’ve been a major success. You have to start somewhere. They’ve had some very big competitions in a short span, but they’ve been able to make sure that they’re very meticulous about attention to detail. And I think in the long run they will be able to host an event like the Olympics.
“And I don’t think it’s going to be very far down the line. The last three Olympics that I’ve been to – we’ve had Athens, Beijing and London – have all been extremely different from one another and I think that’s the beauty of it. I think the bigger issue would probably be the altitude, and at sea level Doha is perfect for the Olympic Games.
“There are issues like heat and humidity, but you can see the plans for the World Cup with the air-conditioned stadiums that they’re building, that’s an issue that can easily be dealt with. I think it would be a great success to have a Games here.”
Ready for Rio
After such an eventful year where he also won Paralympic gold in London, Pistorius is already plotting his next move. “Every season we’ve got our goals, so next is the World Championships in Moscow. But 2016 for me is a massive goal,” he added.
“I’d love to be able to continue in the top 20 in the 400m for the next couple of years and have the opportunity to go out in Rio 2016 in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. That would be a dream career. I’ve also got my foundation that we’re launching in June next year.
“We’re making 500 prosthetic legs for people who lost their legs from land mines [exp-losions], mostly in Africa. I’m very excited to get that going. I love sport but it’s my job.
“When I’m finished with sports, I’m not a politician, I’m not a coach, I love what I do at the moment but for me that’s where my heart lies. One day when I retire that’s probably where I’ll spend most of my time.”
BLADES OF GLORY
2004: Won two medals at the Athens Paralympics – gold in the 200m (T44) and bronze in 100 m (T44).
2008: Three golds in the Beijing Paralympics in 100m, 200m, and 400m T44. Made the Time 100 list.
2011: Became first amputee to win an able-bodied world track medal after helping the South Africa 4x400m relay team reach the final at the World Championships in Daegu. He didn’t take part in the final but won the medal because he participated in the heats.
2012: Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Won two golds – 400m (T44) and 4×100m relay (T42–T46) – and a silver in the 200m (T44) at the London Paralympics. Became the first double amputee to participate in the Olympics when he entered the men’s 400m and was part of South Africa’s 4×400m relay team.
Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
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